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Literary Fiction· Bosnia and Herzegovina

Death and the Dervish

by Meša Selimović
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1966Serbo-Croatian
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that Death and the Dervish (1966) by Meša Selimović continues to receive. This philosophical novel delves into the inner turmoil of a dervish named Ahmed Nurudin, who grapples with existential questions and the oppressive political environment of the Ottoman Empire. The book is noted for its introspective narrative and exploration of themes such as justice, power, and the nature of existence. Themes of existentialism, justice, power run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorMeša Selimović
Published1966
Country of Origin🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
LanguageSerbo-Croatian
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN978-0810112975
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina

This book is part of Bosnia and Herzegovina's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Bosnia and Herzegovina →

Editorial Assessment

Meša Selimović published Death and the Dervish in 1966, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The book's treatment of existentialism, justice, power, faith accounts for much of its enduring reputation. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of Death and the Dervish lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of existentialism, justice, power, faith is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Bosnia and Herzegovina's literary landscape, Meša Selimović occupies a significant position. Death and the Dervish is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

BBC Big Read
list · global
20040
✍️
About the Author
Meša Selimović
Bosnia and Herzegovina
View Author →

Meša Selimović is a Bosnia and Herzegovina author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Death and the Dervish about?

This philosophical novel delves into the inner turmoil of a dervish named Ahmed Nurudin, who grapples with existential questions and the oppressive political environment of the Ottoman Empire. The book is noted for its introspective narrative and exploration of themes such as justice, power, and the nature of existence.

Who wrote Death and the Dervish?

Death and the Dervish was written by Meša Selimović, from Bosnia and Herzegovina. First published in 1966.

What awards has Death and the Dervish won?

Death and the Dervish has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Death and the Dervish worth reading?

Death and the Dervish is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in existentialism, justice, power.

Where can I buy Death and the Dervish?

You can buy Death and the Dervish on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Death and the Dervish?

Death and the Dervish is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Death and the Dervish from?

Death and the Dervish originates from Bosnia and Herzegovina's literary tradition. Explore more books from Bosnia and Herzegovina on our country page.

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